Is Putin trying to sideline Lavrov?

Recently, tensions between Putin and Lavrov have captured global attention, causing a stir in international political circles. Sergey Lavrov is widely recognized as one of Russia’s most steadfast politicians, having been one of Putin’s most trusted aides in foreign affairs for over 21 years. Since assuming the role of Foreign Minister, Lavrov has remained virtually unmatched in longevity compared to his peers worldwide; those who previously held similar positions have either retired or moved to other posts. Lavrov’s distinctive stubbornness, unconventional diplomatic style, and bluntness have allowed him to maintain his position continuously, effectively making him the de facto dictator of Russia’s diplomatic corps.

So, has a genuine rift emerged between Putin and Lavrov? The Financial Times was among the first international outlets to report on the potential discord. Several other publications later analyzed the situation, suggesting that the disagreement may have stemmed from a phone call between Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 21, just as Trump and Putin were preparing to meet in Budapest. Reports indicated that Lavrov’s conduct during that call may have derailed the planned meeting. Subsequent speculation arose in early November, fueled by Lavrov’s absence from the Security Council meeting on November 5 and rumors that another official would represent Russia at the upcoming G20 summit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, dismissed these reports, stating that Lavrov continues to fulfill his duties.

Despite official denials, observers have noted that Lavrov has recently appeared increasingly erratic in his conduct. As he has aged, his stubbornness, roughness, and disregard for established protocols have become more apparent, a trend even felt by countries like Uzbekistan this year. Below, we examine the reported rift between one of the world’s most abrasive diplomats and his superior, alongside an overview of Lavrov’s career.

Tensions at the Kremlin

Lavrov’s absence from the November 5 Security Council meeting raised eyebrows. At the session, which discussed the potential resumption of nuclear tests amid heightened U.S. activity, Lavrov was the only permanent member to be absent. Moreover, for the forthcoming G20 summit in South Africa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin was unexpectedly appointed to represent Russia instead of Lavrov. These developments fueled speculation about a rift between Lavrov and Putin. Outlets including the Financial Times and The Moscow Times reported that Putin was reportedly displeased with the 75-year-old diplomat, citing Lavrov’s allegedly inappropriate tone during the October 21 call with Rubio, which contributed to the postponement of the Budapest summit.

Indeed, the call had serious consequences for the Kremlin. Following the exchange between Lavrov and Rubio, the U.S. swiftly imposed sanctions on major Russian companies, including Rosneft and Lukoil. India and China also began adjusting their approaches in response. Oil revenues are a key driver of Russia’s operations in Ukraine, and the sanctions threatened to disrupt these flows. Reports noted that India immediately reduced purchases, while China, although continuing imports, could demand further discounts. These developments posed significant economic risks for Russia.

Lavrov, whose behavior was widely criticized, became the focal point for these issues. Earlier in October, Putin and Trump had agreed to a summit in Budapest while coordinating on military support for Ukraine. However, following the exchange between their foreign ministers, the summit was postponed. Lavrov’s reportedly overbearing conduct toward Rubio, who subsequently informed Trump of the incident, may have escalated tensions between Moscow and Washington.

In diplomacy, individual personalities matter. Rubio’s political evolution is well-documented; previously a critic of Putin, he adapted his approach under the Trump administration, aligning with the administration’s strategies for engagement with Russia. Lavrov, in contrast, faced the challenge of managing interactions with a diplomat who had historically been critical of Russia. His mishandling of the call, given his decades of experience, has been criticized as a serious misstep.

Is the Kremlin hiding the issue?

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov publicly confirmed that Lavrov remains in his post and denied reports of any conflict with Putin. According to Peskov, Lavrov continues to participate in scheduled meetings and events. Kremlin-affiliated journalists suggested that Lavrov’s absence from some gatherings had been pre-arranged, while sources within the Foreign Ministry described it as part of a redistribution of diplomatic responsibilities. In this context, Oreshkin has recently taken on a more prominent role in international economic forums, such as the G20 summit.

Independent sources, however, have not corroborated claims that the Budapest summit delay caused a personal rift between Putin and Lavrov. According to Boris Bondarev, a former senior diplomat at Russia’s UN mission, Lavrov primarily functions as a conduit for Putin’s positions and rarely deviates from the President’s directives. Lavrov himself gave an interview to state-controlled media days after the speculation emerged, which was interpreted as an attempt to refute reports of a falling-out. In the interview with RIA Novosti, Lavrov acknowledged “certain difficulties” in negotiations with Washington but did not address rumors about his standing with Putin.

Lavrov’s standing had already been in decline

Insiders suggest that Lavrov’s influence on Russian foreign policy had diminished well before the recent controversy. Many observers rate his impact on current Russian decisions regarding Ukraine as negligible. Reports indicate that key operational plans, such as Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, were developed without Lavrov’s input, surprising even the seasoned diplomat.

Additionally, Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, has increasingly overshadowed Lavrov in matters involving U.S. relations, particularly since Trump’s second term. Dmitriev’s growing influence in negotiations with U.S. stakeholders has reportedly reduced Lavrov’s role in areas historically under his purview. Sources suggest ongoing tensions between Lavrov and Dmitriev, including incidents where Lavrov attempted to assert authority over Dmitriev during high-level negotiations.

Who is Sergey Lavrov?

Born in Moscow in 1950, Lavrov studied diplomacy at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, learning Sinhala and beginning his diplomatic career in Sri Lanka. Between 1972 and 1976, he held various posts at the Soviet Embassy in Sri Lanka, including translator, protocol chief, personal secretary, and aide to the ambassador. From 1976 to 1981, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Organizations as Third and Second Secretary. Between 1981 and 1988, he worked at the Soviet Permanent Mission to the UN as First Secretary, Counsellor, and Senior Counsellor.

From 1990 to 1992, he headed the International Organizations Department of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and later the equivalent department in the Russian Foreign Ministry. From 1992 to 1994, he was Deputy Foreign Minister, overseeing multiple departments, including International Economic Cooperation, Human Rights, Cultural Affairs, and CIS Affairs. Between 1994 and 2004, he served as Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

In March 2004, Lavrov succeeded Igor Ivanov as Russia’s Foreign Minister and has remained in the position ever since. During his tenure, five Russian prime ministers have come and gone, yet Lavrov’s post has remained unchanged. Since 2004, he has also been a permanent member of the Security Council. He has received numerous honors, including the Order “For Service to the Fatherland,” the Hero of Labour, and the First Class Order of Saint Andrew.

Lavrov is remembered for his sharp public rebukes of Western officials. He infamously called former British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss “deaf” and insulted David Miliband during the 2008 South Ossetia conflict. In 2003, while at the UN, he opposed then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s attempts to ban smoking in the headquarters, openly criticizing the prohibition.

Lavrov’s long tenure as Foreign Minister is remarkable. After Andrei Gromyko, he is Russia’s longest-serving foreign minister and ranks third globally among modern history’s longest-serving foreign ministers. Saudi Arabia’s Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud held the top spot with 43 years, Gromyko second with 28 years, and Lavrov third with 21 years. No current head of state diplomacy matches him in tenure, though other qualities vary.